# Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve

## Introduction
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve is an American national park located in southcentral Alaska. Covering an astonishing 13.2 million acres (approximately 53,000 square kilometers), it is recognized as the largest national park in the United States. The park's vast landscape offers an unparalleled wilderness experience and serves as an immersive gateway into both the historical subsistence and modern adventure lifestyles.

## Geography and Environment
The park encompasses a broad range of environmental zones, from temperate rainforests to icy mountain peaks. It is part of the larger Saint Elias Mountains, which include some of the highest peaks in North America, such as Mount St. Elias at 18,008 feet. The park's geography is highlighted by its dramatic changes in elevation, sprawling glaciers, and volcanic remnants.

Wrangell-St. Elias borders Canada's Kluane National Park and together, they form part of the UNESCO World Heritage site known as Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek. This area is recognized for its natural beauty and significant glaciological features. The park's terrain is predominantly rugged and undeveloped, with numerous glaciers, lakes, and rivers carving the landscape.

## Biodiversity
The park is a haven for a variety of wildlife species. It supports populations of grizzly bears, black bears, moose, Dall sheep, caribou, and mountain goats. The diverse ecosystems range from coastal forests to alpine tundra, promoting a rich biodiversity. Bird enthusiasts can find numerous species including bald eagles, trumpeter swans, and the rare gyrfalcon.

## Cultural Heritage
Historically, Wrangell-St. Elias has been home to native groups including the Ahtna and the Eyak. The area holds significant cultural values for its indigenous communities, who have depended on the land for centuries. Subsistence activities like hunting, fishing, and gathering continue to be vital for local populations.

The park also preserves the history of early explorers, trappers, and miners. The mining boom in the early 20th century led to the establishment of several ghost towns, such as the now-abandoned Kennecott Mines, which are preserved as a National Historic Landmark within the park.

## Recreation and Tourism
Today, Wrangell-St. Elias is a premier destination for adventure enthusiasts. The park offers outstanding opportunities for mountaineering, hiking, camping, and river rafting. Its vast wilderness challenges even the most experienced outdoor adventurers. Access to the park is primarily through small, bush-plane services, although there are also road accesses like the Nabesna Road and the McCarthy Road, which lead to different regions of the park.

The park's visitor centers, located at Copper Center, Slana, and Kennicott, provide educational displays, guided tours, and other services to help visitors learn about and explore the park safely.

## Conservation Efforts
The large scale and remote nature of Wrangell-St. Elias pose unique challenges for conservation. Efforts to manage and protect its resources are continuous, with a focus on balancing human use with the preservation of natural landscapes and wildlife habitats. Research and monitoring programs are in place to understand the ecological dynamics and to guide management decisions.

## Conclusion
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve stands out not only as the largest national park in the United States but as a profound testament to the natural beauty and complex history of Alaska. Offering both a window into the past and a pathway for modern explorers, it remains a critical sanctuary for wildlife, a living museum of human history, and a vast playground for those seeking the ultimate wilderness experience.